Topological Explanation of Why Complex Numbers Are Needed in Quantum Physics

Authors

Julio C. Urenda, The University of Texas at El PasoFollow
Vladik Kreinovich, The University of Texas at El PasoFollow

Publication Date

7-1-2023

Comments

Technical Report: UTEP-CS-23-44

Abstract

In quantum computing, we only use states in which all amplitudes are real numbers. So why do we need complex numbers with non-zero imaginary part in quantum physics in general? In this paper, we provide a simple topological explanation for this need, explanation based on the Second Law of Thermodynamics.